Looking to beat the heat? Here are 6 cool places to go with kids during the heat wave
As the heat wave continues, many kids are likely spending too much time looking at screens in air-conditioned comfort. But with a heat advisory in effect and outdoor activities not recommended, what's a parent to do?
Good news: Delaware has plenty of indoor options that will entertain your kids and stimulate their brains. If you're looking for something for your kids to do that isn't YouTube, we've got you covered.
Delaware Children's Museum
550 Justison St., Wilmington, delawarechildrensmuseum.org
The Delaware Children's Museum's mission is "to develop creative minds through the power of playful learning." It's heavy on the "play," with opportunities for kids to explore a hollow, 350-year-old tree trunk, try out miniature cars, trains and boats, role play in various careers and much more.
If you've already been, check the museum calendar for activities your kids haven't yet experienced.
The Delaware Children's Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 and free for children under one year old.
Cape May - Lewes Ferry
43 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes, cmlf.com
The Cape May - Lewes Ferry is a fun, unique experience for kids and adults alike. You can walk or drive onto the ship and spend the day exploring Cape May, if you want, but the ride across the Delaware Bay alone is quite entertaining.
Kids love exploring the ship inside and out. The indoor seating area is air-conditioned and drinks and snacks are available. But the ride's highlight is the scenic views and simply observing the water. At this time of year, there's often marine life such as dolphins, fish, crabs and jellyfish, as well as shorebirds.
Make reservations before going. A round trip is $18 for those aged 14 and up, $5 for children ages six through 13 and free for children under age six. Vehicle costs vary.
Wilmington & Western Railroad
2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, wwrr.com
The Wilmington & Western Railroad takes riders on 10 miles of track "through some of the prettiest scenery in the tri-state area," according to its website. The historic trains are pulled by antique steam locomotives, a diesel locomotive and a 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad "Doodlebug" railcar.
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There are often events on the train such as the "princess express" and an "ice cream express." Ticket prices vary. Check the website for details.
Note: Only the "Doodlebug" railcar is air-conditioned, but the others have open windows that make for a nice breeze.
Air Mobility Command Museum
130 Heritage Rd., Dover, amcmuseum.org
Any curious kid is sure to be enthralled by the over 30 historic aircrafts at the Air Mobility Command Museum, all of which teach their own history lesson.
Several are open to climb in and explore, and the staff is super knowledgeable and helpful. The museum also features flight simulators. Some of the aircrafts are outside, so go early if you want to check them out without the excessive heat.
Bonus: Admission is free. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dupont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd, Milford, de.gov/dnc
The Dupont Nature Center is off the beaten path near Slaughter Beach, on Mispillion Harbor. It's "a science-based educational and interpretive facility with interactive exhibits designed to connect people with the Delaware Bay’s natural history and ecology," according to the state's website.
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Kids will learn about the species that make up the Delaware Bay, from horseshoe crabs to shorebirds to diamondback terrapins.
From May through August, the center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Be sure to check the website for events and activities.
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
708 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, discoversea.com
This southern Delaware museum features about 10,000 artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, sure to awaken the imagination of any child.
"Shake hands with history," as the museum's website says, as you explore items recovered from the ocean floor, from right off the coast of Delaware to across the world.
In July and August, the museum is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is donation-based.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @Marvel McNaught.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Avoid the heat with these 6 cool things to do with kids
